“Hey, we hear you!” Warwickshire Fostering listens to children in care 

As part of Foster Care Fortnight, Warwickshire County Council Fostering is launching a brand-new project - Hey, we hear you! - messages to the child in my care. The project is designed in collaboration with their foster carers to provide an opportunity for connection and an open dialogue with the children they have cared for; to share messages of love and compassion and hopes for their future.  

The project follows on from ‘Hey Foster Carer’, a successful initiative already in place at Warwickshire County Council to ensure the voices of children in care are heard and are central to the development of support and decision making. 

Rebecca Clifford, Team Manager for foster carer recruitment said, “Following the fantastic impact of the "Hey Foster Carer" initiative, Warwickshire County Council Fostering is thrilled to announce the launch of its companion program, "Hey, we hear you!" This innovative project, designed in collaboration with our dedicated foster carers, empowers them to connect with the children in their care.  

We also want our foster carers’ messages to inspire those who are thinking about becoming foster carers to take the next step. By hearing what Warwickshire Foster Carers have got to say, we hope that people in the community will see the support and relationships illustrated by our foster carers' messages to the children in their care and be motivated to make an enquiry. 

Developed with foster carers, ‘Hey, we hear you!’ will offer a series of messages that foster carers can share with the children in their care. These messages address a variety of topics, including: 

• Feelings of security and belonging within foster care  
• Sharing moments of joy and holding memories safe 
• Open communication and navigating difficult emotions 
• Building confidence and self-esteem 
• Celebrating achievements and aspirations for the future 

Councillor Sue Markham, Portfolio Holder for Children and Families, applauds this initiative. She said: "Warwickshire County Council’s Fostering Service is committed to creating a supportive and nurturing environment for foster carers as well as the precious children entrusted to them. 'Hey, we hear you!' will be a powerful tool to build deeper connections and creating a positive and lasting impact on children's lives.  

“Programs like this that lead to open communication and emotional support are crucial for the well-being of these children and young people and help us meet our Child Friendly Warwickshire ambitions.” 

This project highlights that Warwickshire County Council truly prioritises the well-being and happiness of every child in our care. ‘Hey, we hear you’ offers a unique glimpse into foster carers perspectives and lived experiences and provides valuable insights for anyone contemplating this inspiring path. If you're interested in learning more about fostering and how you can get involved, please visit our website or contact us today. 

Together, we can make a difference! 

To help create a positive experience for everyone involved Warwickshire County Council has committed to ensuring that foster carers receive consistent, high-quality support to help them care for children. We listen to foster carers, read our Support Pledge for Foster Carers: 

https://api.warwickshire.gov.uk/documents/WCCC-1642278725-4129 

For more information about fostering with Warwickshire County Council:  

• Visit – warwickshire.gov.uk/fostering  
• Call – 0800 408 1556